Sent-Off Paqueta from West Ham Attacks FA Over Missing Backing

Lucas Paqueta, midfielder for West Ham, launched a fierce attack on the Football Association due to inadequate backing, in a striking rant right after his sending-off in the clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

The Brazilian received an avoidable red card after two rapid yellows for arguing with officials amid the 2-0 loss at the London Stadium.

For two years, Paqueta faced an FA inquiry into spot-fixing claims, where he stood accused of purposefully earning bookings to benefit gamblers.

Cleared of wrongdoing in July, the long investigation nonetheless blocked his expected switch to Manchester City two years earlier.

The 28-year-old, clearly distressed, turned to social media following his ejection versus Liverpool, slamming the FA for withholding "psychological support".

"I understand that now I have to come across as the villain; it's hard to live with everything that's been caused in my life and in my psyche!" he posted on X.

"I'll keep trying to ensure they don't affect me even more. This doesn't justify my expulsion, and for that I apologise to the fans and my team-mates!"

Reacting to a Sky Sports Premier League update where pundit Rob Green called Paqueta's dismissal "ridiculous behaviour", the player responded: "It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.

"Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I've had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I'm sorry if I'm not perfect."